Peter, if you really want to make the keyed locks work good find a locksmith/lock shop and purchase a can of 'Houdini'; it's a special lubricant just for locks. It works far better than graphite and can be sprayed into the latch mechanisms as well where it will free up sticky parts and make everything work jusdt like it's supposed to.
Gary

 

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Peter Krogh <peter@PETERKROGH.COM>
To: vanagon <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Fri, Jan 4, 2013 12:00 am
Subject: Re: door lock service

I did some work to the sticky locks. It's a pretty major improvement (so far).

I pulled off the sliding door interior panel and sprayed all lock linkage 
mechanisms I could find with WD40. Wiped as much gunk off as I could, and then 
sprayed with WD40 brand White Lithium grease. I did the lock linkage, sliding 
door channels, rollers, etc. Was glad to see that the rust was not alarming.

I bought some graphite at the hardware store and did my best to puff it into the 
keyslot of the locks. I definitely don't have the hang of it yet. 

Bottom line, *everything* feels much better. Locks turn easily, doors slide 
smoothly. It was a pretty quick treatment, maybe an hour of cleaning, spraying 
and wiping.

Peter Krogh
Author, The DAM Book, Digital Asset Management for Photographers
Second Edition May, 2009
www.theDAMbook.com

 
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